New Arena’s Top 25 College Football Poll After Week 9

Here’s a look at New Arena’s Top 25 Poll for Week 10 of the 2018-2019 College Football season:

25. Boston College Eagles

Week 9 result: Defeated Miami 27-14Up next: @ Virginia Tech Trend: NR

BC’s win over Miami kept the Eagles alone in second place behind Clemson in the Atlantic. AJ Dillon ran for 149 yards and one score, helping BC earn its sixth victory of the season. If the Eagles can escape Blacksburg with a victory, they will face Clemson with a chance to overtake the Tigers for first place in the division.

24. Virginia Cavaliers

The Cavaliers are sitting pretty in the ACC Coastal. At 4-1 in conference, Virginia leads Virginia Tech and Pitt by a half-game. Quarterback Bryce Perkins has been effective throwing and running the ball, accounting for seven touchdowns the past two weeks.

23. Houston Cougars

Week 9 result: Defeated South Florida 57-36 Up next: @ SMU Trend: NR

The Cougars, playing without stud defensive tackle Ed Oliver, dominated South Florida this past weekend. After dropping 57 points on the Bulls, Houston remains the only team in the nation that has scored at least 40 points in every game.

22. Northwestern Wildcats

After starting the season 1-3, the Wildcats have rattled off four-straight victories — including wins over Michigan State and Wisconsin. The Wildcats currently lead the Big Ten West, but back-to-back games against Notre Dame and Iowa could bring Northwestern back down to Earth.

21. Mississippi State Bulldogs

The Bulldogs remain an incredibly frustrating team. After back-to-back losses to Kentucky and Florida, State knocked off then-No. 8 Auburn — only to lay an egg against LSU. Naturally, the Bulldogs dispatched of Texas A&M with ease this week. A trip to Tuscaloosa is next on the docket.

20. Syracuse Orange

Syracuse is 6-2, but could easily be undefeated. Their only two losses have come in overtime (Pitt) and to Clemson in a game in which they held a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. Winning the conference is out of the question, but the Orange have a good chance to win nine games.

19. Fresno State Bulldogs

Week 9 result: Defeated Hawaii 50-20 Up next: @ UNLV Trend: NR

Following their Week 2 loss at Minnesota, Fresno State has dominated their past six opponents. QB Marcus McMaryion threw four touchdown passes and gained nearly 300 yards to lead the Bulldogs to victory over Hawaii. UNLV shouldn’t pose much of a challenge this week. However, an upcoming trip to Boise will not be an easy task.

18. Utah State Aggies

Week 9 result: Defeated New Mexico 61-19 Up next: @ Hawaii Trend: —

The best group of Aggies in the country, Utah State is a dangerous team. The Aggies have rolled to seven-straight victories after a season-opening loss at Michigan State. A trip to Boise in late November could decide the winner of the Mountain division.

17. Iowa Hawkeyes

Week 9 result: Lost to Penn State 30-24 Up next: @ Purdue Trend: -1

In losing to Penn State, Iowa is now 0-2 against ranked opponents this season. Offensive deficiencies held Iowa back against the Nittany Lions. QB Nate Stanley threw two interceptions and was limited to 205 yards through the air, while the rushing attack mustered a meager 3.6 YPC.

16. Utah Utes

Week 9 result: Defeated UCLA 41-10 Up next: @ Arizona State Trend: +5

Since losing back-to-back games to the Washington schools, the Utes have blasted their past four foes. They easily appear to be the best team in the Pac-12 South and should represent the South in the Pac-12 Championship.

15. Texas Longhorns

Week 9 result: Lost to Oklahoma State 38-35 Up next: vs. West Virginia Trend: -7

The Longhorns’ luck in close games ran out in Stillwater this past weekend. After winning their past three games by a combined 14 points, Texas couldn’t overcome a 17-point deficit. A loss to West Virginia could potentially end their hopes of winning the Big 12.

14. Penn State Nittany Lions

Week 9 result: Defeated Iowa 30-24 Up next: @ Michigan Trend: +4

While Texas’ luck in close games took a turn for the worst, Penn State finally won a close contest. The Nittany Lions will face their toughest test of the season as they travel to Ann Arbor to face a rested Michigan team. Trace McSorley must be special in order for his team to come out victorious.

13. Florida Gators

Week 9 result: Lost to Georgia 36-17 Up next: vs. Missouri Trend: -3

Up to this point the Gators have surpassed all expectations. The lone team to knock off No. 5 LSU, the Gators learned how far they still have to go in order to win the SEC. Georgia humbled the Gators for the second year in a row. Feleipe Franks must play better down the stretch — 105 passing yards will not get the job done against good teams.

12. Kentucky Wildcats

Week 9 result: Defeated Missouri 15-14Up next: vs. Georgia Trend: +3

Who would have predicted that Georgia’s visit to Lexington this weekend would likely determine the SEC East winner? Very few, if any, but here we are. A win over Georgia would not only put UK in the drivers seat for the East crown, but also firmly put the team into the CFP conversation.

11. West Virginia Mountaineers

Week 9 result: Defeated Baylor 58-14 Up next: @ Texas Trend: +2

The Mountaineers bounced back in a big way following their 16-point loss to Iowa State. Will Grier threw three touchdown passes against Baylor en route to the Mountaineers largest victory of the season. With games against Texas and Oklahoma still on tap, WVU controls its destiny in the Big 12.

10. Washington State Cougars

Albeit a slim chance, the Cougars represent the Pac-12’s lone shot at reaching the CFP. Out of Wazzu’s four remaining games, three will be played at home — including their showdown with Washington.

9. Ohio State Buckeyes

Week 9 result: BYE Up next: vs. Nebraska Trend: +3

The Buckeyes have had plenty of time to figure out what went wrong against Purdue. Nebraska should give the Buckeyes an opportunity to get back into form. Urban Meyer’s group can’t afford to lose in the run up to their season-ending showdown with Michigan.

8. Oklahoma Sooners

A resounding victory over K-State coupled with a Texas loss makes for a great week in Norman. Kyler Murray continues to put up ridiculous numbers and the defense is starting to find its footing. With Texas’ loss, the Sooners are once again the Big 12’s best bet of reaching the playoff.

7. UCF Knights

Week 9 result: BYEUp next: vs. TempleTrend: —

The Knights may be tested this week by Temple — one of three teams undefeated in American play — but the Knights are likely focused on where they land in the initial CFP rankings. Will the committee give the Knights a path into the playoff, or will they render the Knights obsolete?

6. Georgia Bulldogs

Week 9 result: Defeated Florida 36-17 Up next: @ Kentucky Trend: —

The Bulldogs avenged their disappointing loss to LSU by hammering Florida for a second year in a row. Currently tied atop the SEC East with Kentucky, Georgia will be playing for control of the division and its CFP chances. A win in Lexington would provide a huge boost to their résumé.

5. LSU Tigers

Week 9 result: BYE Up next: vs. Alabama Trend: —

The season comes down to this for LSU. A loss to Alabama would likely end the Tigers CFP hopes, while a win would go a long way in helping them reach the promised land. Alabama looks unbeatable, but no trip into Death Valley is an easy one.

4. Michigan Wolverines

Week 9 result: BYE Up next: vs. Penn State Trend: —

Michigan’s defense is for real. After opening their season with a loss to Notre Dame, the Wolverines have strung together seven-straight victories. Their defense hasn’t given up more than 21 points during their winning-streak. If Michigan can stave off Penn State, the Wolverines should head to Columbus at 10-1.

3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Week 9 result: Defeated Navy 44-22 Up next: @ Northwestern Trend: —

The Irish seem ready for Northwestern in what has become a highly-anticipated game between two of Chicago’s favorite teams. The Irish’s defense has been stout all season, and Ian Book continues to make Brian Kelly look very smart. It won’t be easy, but the Irish should leave Evanston undefeated.

2. Clemson Tigers

Clemson looked vulnerable — and probably should have lost — against Syracuse a few weeks ago, but in the weeks following they have been dominant. 63-3 at Wake Forest, 41-7 versus NC State and 59-10 at Florida State. The Tigers are gearing up for the CFP.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Week 9 result: BYEUp next: @ LSUTrend: —

Alabama is undoubtedly the nation’s best team. However, winning in Baton Rouge will not be easy. LSU is dominant at home and recently handled Georgia by 20 points in Death Valley. The Tide will be facing their first test of the season — now it’s a matter of finding out just how good they are.

Image Source: Stan Szeto/USA TODAY Sports

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